Yes, it seems quite aerodynamic. I'm sure it flew like a bird.
Referring to the first flight of Yuri Gagarin meant exactly that, for this person was the first to fly in outer space (and come back alive).
When first noticing the article, I had immediate recollection to the historical event back when it occurred. The US & USSR were in the space race, and the USSR beat us. However we out done them by going to the moon.